Ok I just did this deal a couple of weeks ago and it worked. I even asked a Microcenter employee and he said Microcenter is not in charge of the early termination fee. I then called Vonage, and the CSR said there would be no early termination fee because the account never got activated in the first place.

1. Pick out any laptop at Microcenter
2. Signup for Vonage inside the Microcenter store.
3. Use a $25 Visa or Mastercard giftcard during the signup process.

You can buy these cards at your local grocery store or 7-11. During the signup process, you just enter the giftcard number yourself on the Microcenter computer. Since the giftcard doesn't rely on any billing address, I guess you could use any address where you think you live if you are paranoid. The signup process does not ask for social security number.

4. Microcenter will make you purchase a $75 Vonage Adapter (which you can return later).
5. Get the $250 discount.
6. Pay for the discounted laptop.

The Vonage signup process only puts a $5 temporary hold on your gift card which dissapears after a couple of days anyhow. The singup process in-store doesn't charge any activation fee or monthly fee. Eventually, your Vonage account never gets activated because there is not enough money on your giftcard. So you never actually become responsible for the early termnation fee. If you entered your real email address during the signup process, you will get an email from Vonage saying that the transaction failed, and to please enter a new credit card. I called them saying that I don't have another credit card, and the Vonage CSR said ok well then we can't offer you any service. I then asked about the $250 discount. The CSR said there won't be any early termination fee because my account never actually got started yet.

The next day, just return the $75 Vonage adapter. I got some static from the manager about returning the adapter, but then I pointed out the 30 return policy clearly stated on the wall and the paper receipts....no mention of Vonage whatsoever. I got my full refund after pointing it out. A firend of mine did the same thing, but he settled for a Microcenter giftcard in return.

Question: If it only "authorizes" $5, why do you need a $25 gift card?

While obviously this deal might not let you sleep at night, the deals about the 42" LCD TV @ BB for $399 was similar, so don't red this for that reason.

Good find OP.

pathetic biz model by Vonage. Netpliance had a similar subscription model that backfired and they went under less than a year after people figured out how to game the system.

Anyone with Vonage stock, sell it fast. Anyone working there, send out your resumes. You've been warned!

I think that these pathetic "tactics" of FW posters are an indicator of the caliber of individuals in society today. Expecting everything, wanting to give nothing of yourself in return. What is the bottom line, to get everything for FREE. I have an eBay store and am tired of "hagglers" trying to get my item for nothing. I wonder how many FW posters have ever been business owners, because you seem more like employees who just want a free ride.

Hundreds of FW'ers took part in the BB 42" LCD deal. IN that deal, you bought an HD DVD Player & a Home Theater System, as well as "signed up" for DirecTV to reduce the price of a TV to around $500 (or less). Then, they all went back and returned the two items and cancelled the DirecTV. No one screamed bloody murder then. See all the rave reviews here

This deal is no different. Why the double standard?

hellyea81 said:Question: If it only "authorizes" $5, why do you need a $25 gift card?

While obviously this deal might not let you sleep at night, the deals about the 42" LCD TV @ BB for $399 was similar, so don't red this for that reason.

Good find OP.i wonder the same thing,, thanx

amkaos said:what the poster does it apply a system already in place. business does it all the time.
right or wrong, its not illegal.. this isnt ethics class.. do it or dont, but spend morality speeches elsewhere..

some of us try to apply ethics to everything we do in life...you obviously only find it applicable when it suits your needs. I guess it says a lot about you that you would rant and people wanting to be ethical and honest.

Well the devil is in the details and bargain hunters sure know the details. I think they are more Darwinian than devils despite what BB or anyone else thinks.

Don't forget the Best Buy Acer Aspire one for $249 after $100 BroadBand NO signup coupon.

Nice work OP ! Love the way you think.